This important volume is a collection of the most significant research in business history on mergers and acquisitions. As well as laying the empirical groundwork for all future analyses, the articles selected are those which have changed our assumptions concerning the nature and role of mergers in the development of the modern corporate economy. The legislative attempts in North America and Europe to reverse the trend towards business concentration have also generated much scholarly work. Going beyond the traditional methodology of business history, econometric analysis now permits the testing of various theories of the causes of mergers.

This landmark book will be an essential source of reference for any serious student of economics and business history.